McClaren also offered his take on where Barkley fits into Chelsea's talent-rich midfield.

"I think the way Chelsea are playing, they are missing an attacking midfield player with [Tiemoue] Bakayoko and [Cesc] Fabregas a little bit too loose and not enough of a threat going forward," he added.

"They didn't have a runner who could also finish - Barkley can do that.

"I think with [N'Golo] Kante there, Fabregas and Barkley being the runner and joining in, scoring goals from midfield, they'll be a real threat and a good midfield three."

Barkley is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation following a serious hamstring injury and will not make his Chelsea debut against Norwich today.